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John 10-12 The Good Shepherd

John 10-12 The Good Shepherd

Psalm 119:169-176 Rescuing A Faithful Sheep

Ps 119:169 TAU “Let my cry come before you, Yahweh. Give me understanding according to your word. 170 Let my supplication come before you. Deliver me according to your word.

171 Let my lips utter praise, for you teach me your statutes. 172 Let my tongue respond to your word, for all your commandments are righteousness.

173 Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. 174 I have longed for your salvation, Yahweh. Your law is my delight. 175 Let my soul live, that I may praise you. Let your ordinances help me. 176 I wander about like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I don’t forget your commandments."

Observations: 119:169-170 In the final section of this magnificent psalm the author calls out to God for deliverance. The previous sections have increasingly mentioned the opposition he faces because of his commitment to God's word. Here he asks for understanding, grounds his cry for help/deliverance upon God's word.

119:171-172 Two verses of praise, first for the fact that God reveals and teaches him His statutes (so he can do them), and then a song in response to the righteous commandments of God (worship = response to revelation).

119:173-176 In the closing verses of the psalm which opened with declaring the blessedness of the one who walks in God's ways, and seek Him wholeheartedly, he declares his heart and soul are set on God's word: he's chosen/decided for God's precepts, delighted in them, and has not forgotten them. Thus he looks forward to God's help, salvation, and rescue from the effects of his oppressors, for he wanders about like a lost sheep, and asks God to seek and save him. Some commentators see this as a confession of sin, but that view is so alien to the context. We've just had 175 verses of the psalmist wholeheartedly seeking God, and then we end on “save me I've gone astray?????” No way! There are a number of possible translations for wander/stray, and although stray/err is the most common, the reason there are other meanings is because the word has different meaning. The way one determines the correct meaning is to understand the context, not interpret it out of one's experience (as most defeated sinners, who don't obey God's word, do). The very last phrase affirms that even in the midst of oppression for his commitment to God's word, he hasn't forgotten it. Go back and look at just this section and ask yourself are these the words of a sinning sheep who has gone astray, or of a struggling sheep who has been harassed and persecuted by sinners, and is asking God to seek and rescue him from them?

Application: Those who wholeheartedly seek God as revealed in His word, will experience opposition from sinners and rescue/deliverance from God.

Prayer: My Good Shepherd, I praise You for revealing Yourself in Your word in such a way that I can respond to it, and experience the delights of knowing You and Your goodness; thanks for rescuing me from the difficulties I encounter in following You. Amen.

Proverbs 29:15-21 Wise Kids Are A Delight

Pr 29:15 “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother. 16 When the wicked increase, sin increases: but the righteous shall see their fall. 17 Correct your son, and he shall give you peace; yes, he will bring delight to your soul. 18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint/perish: but one who keeps the law, is blessed. 19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understands he will not respond. 20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 21 A servant pampered from youth will have him turn out to be insolent-arrogant-thankless-son.“ (NIV)

Observations: 29:15-21 Disciplining your children result in delight. Wisdom is a function of both the rod (punishment/negative reinforcement) and reproof (instruction, bring error to light). An inconsistent, lazy parent will be shamed by their foolish child. The wise parent will raise wise children who are a delight. This is also the secret to raising kids with great self-esteem (see The Magic Lamp of Self-esteem on Truthbase.net). When both kids and people do not have Revelation to guide them, they cast off all restraints, and revert to barbaric behavior. (Have you been on a college campus on the weekend recently?) Correction must be accompanied by consequences, both for kids and employees. Mere words tend to be ignored. Speaking of mere words, not thinking through what one says and the potential impact on others is not wise, but beyond foolish. In verse 21 “pampered” and “insolent” only occur once in the OT, so the translation is difficult. Based upon similar words in other languages, the pampered servant will seek to assume the inheritance rights of a son.

Application: Wise children are the product of wise parenting who mirror God's parenting of His children, using both truth and consequences.

Prayer: Lord, thanks for the timeless truths of Your word, and the delight I've found in following them; You truly are the all-wise God. Amen.

John 10-12 Jesus reveals Himself to be the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, so they can believe and receive eternal life. He claims to be God, the resurrection and the life, raising the dead to validate His claims. He is confessed as the Messiah, and sought by the Gentiles. Yet some believe and some don't. Those who believe His light become children of light; those who don't, remain in darkness.

John 10 The Good Shepherd is One with the Father

4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 They will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him; for they don’t know the voice of strangers." 6 Jesus spoke this parable to them, but they didn’t understand what he was telling them. 7 Jesus therefore said to them again, "Most certainly, I tell you, I am the sheep’s door. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture.

10a The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy.

10b I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who doesn’t own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep, and flees. The wolf snatches the sheep, and scatters them. 13 The hired hand flees because he is a hired hand, and doesn’t care for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I’m known by my own; 15 even as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep, which are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd. 17 Therefore the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it away from me, but I lay it down by myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. I received this commandment from my Father."

19 Therefore a division arose again among the Jews because of these words. 20 Many of them said, "He has a demon, and is insane! Why do you listen to him?" 21 Others said, "These are not the sayings of one possessed by a demon. It isn’t possible for a demon to open the eyes of the blind, is it?"

30 I and the Father are one." 31 Therefore Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of those works do you stone me?" 33 The Jews answered him, "We don’t stone you for a good work, but for blasphemy: because you, being a man, make yourself God." 34 Jesus answered them, "Isn’t it written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods?’ 35 If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture can’t be broken), 36 do you say of him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You blaspheme,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God?’ 37 If I don’t do the works of my Father, don’t believe me. 38 But if I do them, though you don’t believe me, believe the works; that you may know and believe that the Father is in me, and I in the Father."

39 They sought again to seize him, and he went out of their hand. 40 He went away again beyond the Jordan into the place where John was baptizing at first, and there he stayed. 41 Many came to him. They said, "John indeed did no sign, but everything that John said about this man is true." 42 Many believed in him there.

Observations: 1:1-9 Ezekiel 34 is probably the background to this chapter, although it isn't quoted. There God lambasts the false shepherds leading Israel for their own benefit, and promises a good shepherd (a Davidic descendant). John the Baptist is a likely candidate for the gatekeeper, but that is neither specified nor emphasized. The sheep don't follow the voice/teaching of anyone except their shepherd, who protects them with his life. Listening to His voice/teaching is crucial, and is emphasized throughout the book. Jesus presents Himself as the door to salvation and good pasture to those who listen and follow. Note that forgiveness and justification aren't mentioned, nor righteousness by faith in His atoning work. Remember there are different meanings to the word “salvation” (See introduction to Matthew) and this is more about the glorification blessings of the Millennial Age, than anything else.

Ezek 34:12 “As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered... 13 And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land; I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the valleys and in all the inhabited places of the country. 14 I will feed them in good pasture, and their fold shall be on the high mountains of Israel. There they shall lie down in a good fold and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I will feed My flock, and I will make them lie down," says the Lord Yahweh. 16 "I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and feed them in judgment." 23 “I will establish one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them - My servant David. He shall feed them and be their shepherd.”

10:10 Jesus states that His purpose in coming was so that the sheep might not only have life, but have it abundantly. This is John's purpose in writing the gospel. Jn 20:31 “but these are written, that you may believe (aorist tense) that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing (present tense) you may have life in his name.” The first section of the book (up to chapter 13) provide the signs to help people believe. The latter section (esp. Upper Room Discourse) provides teaching to believers about how to have the abundant life. Not everyone who believes experiences the abundant life, that will be dependent upon abiding in His word (Jn 8:31-32; 15:1-10).

10:11-21 Jesus is the not only the door (verses 7,9) but also the good shepherd, who deliberately lays down His life for the sheep. Jesus doesn't explicitly state that His death is a vicarious sacrifice for the sins, but does emphasize His choice and power in laying it down and taking it up. He says this is why the Father loves Him (you need to figure this one out on your own). Jesus owns the sheep (by virtue of creating them and being given them by the Father). He has other sheep (Gentiles) which will be combined with the Jews (like the blind beggar was ejected from the synagogue) to form one flock (the church?) comprised of those who listen to His voice and follow Him. As we've seen throughout the book, some accept, and others reject, just like today. Those who don't believe attribute His miracles to the devil (see “the unpardonable sin” comments -Mk 3:29; Lk 12:15) which will happen again below.

10:22-29 A new feast is mentioned, instituted by Judas Maccabaeus in 164 BC to commemorate the purification of the temple after its defilement by Antiochus Epiphanes in 167 BC. Two months had past since the Feast of Booths mentioned in chapter 8. But the subject matter of the first half of chapter 10 is similar. This is Jesus' final confrontation with the Establishment, and presents His clearest claims to Deity. They demand to know if He is the Christ/Messiah. He says He told them (through His works) but they wouldn't accept it and believe. The reason Jesus gives for their rejection is that they are not of (ek) His sheep, as He said He told them. In John 8:44-45 Jesus told them that the reason the Establishment could not understand and hear His voice was because they were of (ek) their father the devil, the father of lies. Since Jesus was speaking truth, they couldn't believe it, since their paradigm was falsehood. “Ek” is a preposition that frequently indicates source or origin. Jesus was their Creator, not the devil; they had gone over to the dark side, exchanging their heritage as descendants of Abraham for the present possession Satan offered them in the temporal realm. Only a few, like Joseph of Arimathea (Mk 15:43) and Nicodemus (Jn 7:50) were seeking the fulfillment of God's promises. The Pharisees were not of (ek) the group that acknowledged God as their Father, while those who believed Him were. Jesus says in verse 27 that His sheep hear, have a relationship with (know), and follow Him. He gives them eternal life (dominion of the Age), and they will never (literally=”not to/eis the age”) perish/killed/destroyed (same verb in 3:16-17 and 10:10a), nor will anyone take them away (like the wolf does in 10:12). That's because the Father, is greater than all and protects them.

10:30-39 In verse 30 Jesus makes the equation that He and the Father are one. He is not saying they are the same person (“one” is neuter, not masculine). He does not say I am the Father, but maintains their distinctive characters. Steam plus ice equal water (Trinity anyone?). The same essence expressed in different forms/functions. The Father is God in heaven; Jesus is God in the outward form of man on earth (Phil 2). When the Jews go for the stones again, Jesus asks for which good work do they want to stone Him. He is “forcing” them to confess His point, that He is claiming to be God. He did the same thing at His trials in the synoptics. Notice, He doesn't say, “Oh, wait, you've got it all wrong, I didn't meant that; either you misheard or I misspoke.” Instead, He quotes Psalm 82:6 where the judges who are not carrying out their task (just like evil shepherds) are called “gods” ('elohiym = mighty ones) by God ('elohiym), who will judge them (Ps 86:1). His point has an application and an implication. If God calls judges gods, than someone claiming to be God isn't saying anything other than what God said, and can't be called blasphemy (literally “to injure the fame” of someone {by speaking against them}). The implication is that they will be judged for failing to judge righteously and care for God's sheep. The comment that Scripture cannot be broken is not some random teaching about inerrancy, but a veiled reference to the judgment they will receive (read all eight verses of Psalm 82 to see how applicable it is to the situation). Jesus was set apart (sanctified -Phil 2) and sent by God to do His will, hence He is appropriately the Son of God, as His works testify. Note that He is still trying to get them to believe in verse 38, He is not rejecting them because they are not of (ek) His sheep, but trying to move them back into the flock; but they refuse to know and believe.

10:39-42 Again they try to seize Him, but He slips away and goes to where John was announcing the Kingdom promised in the OT and baptizing those who repented and started living in light of the coming Messianic Kingdom. Even though John didn't do any signs, the people believed. Jesus did signs, and those living for this world rejected Him, yet many believed Him there, outside Jerusalem.

Application: Jesus offers life and abundant life to those who believe and follow Him. Those who are living for this world will reject Him and His truth. They will be judged (in a not good way).

Prayer: Lord, You are my Shepherd; I will listen for Your voice and follow whatever You say, for You are the One who cares for me, and will lead me to green pastures and still waters. You restore my soul. Praise You! Amen.

John 11 Resurrection and the Life

11:1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus from Bethany, of the village of Mary and her sister, Martha. 2 It was that Mary who had anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother, Lazarus, was sick. 3 The sisters therefore sent to him, saying, "Lord, behold, he for whom you have great affection/love is sick." 4 But when Jesus heard it, he said, "This sickness is not to death, but for the glory of God, that God’s Son may be glorified by it." 5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. 6 When therefore he heard that he was sick, he stayed two days in the place where he was. 7 Then after this he said to the disciples, "Let’s go into Judea again." 8 The disciples told him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just trying to stone you, and are you going there again?" 9 Jesus answered, "Aren’t there twelve hours of daylight? If a man walks in the day, he doesn’t stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if a man walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light isn’t in him." 11 He said these things, and after that, he said to them, "Our friend, Lazarus, has fallen asleep, but I am going so that I may awake him out of sleep." 12 The disciples therefore said, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover." 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he spoke of taking rest in sleep. 14 So Jesus said to them plainly then, "Lazarus is dead. 15 I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe. Nevertheless, let’s go to him." 16 Thomas therefore, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, "Let’s go also, that we may die with him."

17 So when Jesus came, he found that he had been in the tomb four days already. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen stadia away. 19 Many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their brother. 20 Then when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary stayed in the house. 21 Therefore Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you would have been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. 22 Even now I know that, whatever you ask of God, God will give you." 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. 26 Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" 27 She said to him, "Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, God’s Son, he who comes into the world." 28 When she had said this, she went away, and called Mary, her sister, secretly, saying, "The Teacher is here, and is calling you." 29 When she heard this, she arose quickly, and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was in the place where Martha met him. 31 Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and were consoling her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, "She is going to the tomb to weep there." 32 Therefore when Mary came to where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying to him, "Lord, if you would have been here, my brother wouldn’t have died."

33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews weeping who came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, 34 and said, "Where have you laid him?" They told him, "Lord, come and see." 35 Jesus wept. 36 The Jews therefore said, "See how much affection he had for him!" 37 Some of them said, "Couldn’t this man, who opened the eyes of him who was blind, have also kept this man from dying?" 38 Jesus therefore, again groaning in himself, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to him, "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days." 40 Jesus said to her, "Didn’t I tell you that if you believed, you would see God’s glory?" 41 So they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, "Father, I thank you that you listened to me. 42 I know that you always listen to me, but because of the multitude that stands around I said this, that they may believe that you sent me." 43 When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44 He who was dead came out, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Free him, and let him go."

45 Therefore many of the Jews, who came to Mary and saw what Jesus did, believed in him. 46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees, and told them the things which Jesus had done. 47 The chief priests therefore and the Pharisees gathered a council, and said, "What are we doing? For this man does many signs. 48 If we leave him alone like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." 49 But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you consider that it is advantageous for us that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish." 51 Now he didn’t say this of himself, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but that he might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 53 So from that day forward they took counsel that they might put him to death. 54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews, but departed from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim. He stayed there with his disciples. 55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand. Many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. 56 Then they sought for Jesus and spoke one with another, as they stood in the temple, "What do you think—that he isn’t coming to the feast at all?" 57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had commanded that if anyone knew where he was, he should report it, that they might seize him.

Observations: 11:1-16 The account of Lazarus echos that of the man born blind. An undesirable situation is allowed for God to be able to display His glory in rectifying it. Here Jesus purposefully delays healing His dear friend so He can resurrect him after he dies. God allows pain in our lives, even though He loves us, so He can achieve a greater good than our temporary comfort. Not only is God glorified by allowing Lazarus to die, but the basis of the disciples' belief is strengthened. Jesus refers to death as sleep (cf Daniel 12:2) since our first death is a temporary condition before resurrection to life or more permanent death (Rev 20:14). Lazarus was not only born again, he died again.

11:17-44 Martha had faith to know that Jesus could have healed her brother; in light of her comments in verses 24 and 39 she wasn't expecting a resurrection. It looks like she is affirming her confidence in Jesus' relationship with God, in spite of the death of her brother. Jesus promises Martha that Lazarus will rise again. Since she knows Daniel 12:2 she knows that will happen at the last day. But Jesus gives a preview of what He promised in 5:25 (cf 1Thess 4:16) and reveals the impact of “I am the resurrection and the life.” Because He is the source of resurrection, those who believe in Him will live (again), even if they die. Because He is the source of (spiritual) life, those who believe in Him will never die (spiritually), they have as their present possession, life on the spiritual plane (3:16; 5:24; 10:28). Martha confesses her belief in Him as the Messiah, who comes into the world (1:9). Jesus next ministers to Mary, who takes up her usual place at His feet, and has a similar comment as Martha (cf v 21 and 32). His response is very different, weeping with her in her grief. This is particularly noteworthy, because He knew He would resurrect Lazarus, and there would be tears of joy. His tears were born partly out of empathy, but also to elicit the response from the crowd. Jesus fulfills His promise and calls Lazarus out of the tomb, displaying God's power/glory. Like the resurrection of Jarius' daughter, there is still work to do after the resurrection.

11:45-57 Many believed as a result of this seventh and final sign (before His own resurrection). But some didn't and went and told the Pharisees, who betray their purpose for living. Their concern isn't the eternal welfare of God's nation and the blessings of the Messianic Kingdom, but their temporal position in the secular kingdom under Rome (so much for never being in bondage -8:33). So they plot to kill Jesus for the good of the nation as they see it. Here God is using the evil passions of evil men to bring about His glorious purposes to bless His people as promised.

Application: God allows evil and suffering in the temporal time frame to bring about a greater good in the eternal realm. The degree to which we suffer is determined by our focus and perspective.

Prayer: God, I trust that all you allow into my life is for my good, for You are infinitely good; may I confidently trust You to work it together for the greater good, and Your glory. Amen.

John 12 Believe the Light; Become a Child of Light

12:1 Then six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. 2 So they made him a supper there. Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with him. 3 Mary, therefore, took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. 4 Then Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, one of his disciples, who would betray him, said, 5 "Why wasn’t this ointment sold for three hundred denarii, and given to the poor?" 6 Now he said this, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and having the money box, used to steal what was put into it. 7 But Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She has kept this for the day of my burial. 8 For you always have the poor with you, but you don’t always have me." 9 A large crowd therefore of the Jews learned that he was there, and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests conspired to put Lazarus to death also, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.

12 On the next day a great multitude had come to the feast. When they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 they took the branches of the palm trees, and went out to meet him, and cried out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel!" 14 Jesus, having found a young donkey, sat on it. As it is written, 15 "Don’t be afraid, daughter of Zion. Behold, your King comes, sitting on a donkey’s colt." 16 His disciples didn’t understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about him, and that they had done these things to him. 17 The multitude therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb, and raised him from the dead, was testifying about it. 18 For this cause also the multitude went and met him, because they heard that he had done this sign. 19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, "See how you accomplish nothing. Behold, the world has gone after him."

20 Now there were certain Greeks among those that went up to worship at the feast. 21 These, therefore, came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, "Sir, we want to see Jesus." 22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn, Andrew came with Philip, and they told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, "The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 He who loves his life/soul will lose it. He who hates his life/soul in this world will keep it to eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, let him follow me. Where I am, there will my servant also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

27 "Now my soul is troubled. What shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this time?’ But for this cause I came to this time. 28 Father, glorify your name!" Then there came a voice out of the sky, saying, "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again." 29 The multitude therefore, who stood by and heard it, said that it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him." 30 Jesus answered, "This voice hasn’t come for my sake, but for your sakes. 31 Now is the judgment of this world. Now the prince of this world will be cast out. 32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." 33 But he said this, signifying by what kind of death he should die. 34 The multitude answered him, "We have heard out of the law that the Christ remains forever. How do you say, ’The Son of Man must be lifted up?’ Who is this Son of Man?" 35 Jesus therefore said to them, "Yet a little while the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, that darkness doesn’t overtake you. He who walks in the darkness doesn’t know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become children of light." Jesus said these things, and he departed and hid himself from them.

37 But though he had done so many signs before them, yet they didn’t believe in him, 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke, "Lord, who has believed our report? To whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?" 39 For this cause they couldn’t believe, for Isaiah said again, 40 "He has blinded their eyes and he hardened their heart, lest they should see with their eyes, and perceive with their heart, and would turn, and I would heal them." 41 Isaiah said these things when he saw his glory, and spoke of him.

42 Nevertheless even of the rulers many believed in him, but because of the Pharisees they didn’t confess it, so that they wouldn’t be put out of the synagogue, 43 for they loved men’s praise more than God’s praise.

44 Jesus cried out and said, "Whoever believes in me, believes not in me, but in him who sent me. 45 He who sees me sees him who sent me 46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness. 47 If anyone listens to my sayings, and doesn’t believe, I don’t judge him. For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 He who rejects me, and doesn’t receive my sayings, has one who judges him. The word that I spoke, the same will judge him in the last day. 49 For I spoke not from myself, but the Father who sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50 I know that his commandment is eternal life. The things therefore which I speak, even as the Father has said to me, so I speak."

Observations: 12:1-11 Jesus returns to Bethany before His final Passover, and Mary anoints Him (see comments on Mt 26 and Mk 14). Judas objects because of His worldly values cloaked in religiosity. In contrast to Mary's love of Jesus, he loved money. Because of the influence of Lazarus, the Pharisees plotted his death.

12:12-19 For comments on the triumphal entry (Palm Sunday) see Matthew 21.

12:20-26 John alone mentions the Greeks who want to see Jesus, and then doesn't tell us any more about them. But notice the role the disciples play in relaying the request to Jesus. It is through the Jews that the Gentiles get blessed. Jesus then reiterates the message given in the synoptics when He first called the disciples, with a particular application to Himself. The word for lose/destroy is the same as that in 10:28. For losing and gaining see comments on Matthew 10:39; Mark 8:36; Luke 14:26. Dying to this world is necessary to bear fruit, which is necessary for eternal reward and honor/glory from God. The promise of God honoring those who serve Him is as certain as any of God's promises. Do you believe and value this?

12:27-36 This is the closest John gets to recording Jesus in prayer (before the high priestly prayer in chapter 17), and it's more like a conversation (fitting with John's purpose to show Jesus is God). The Father responds for the benefit of the disciples. God had been glorified through the Incarnation and miracles, and would be glorified through the resurrection and Pentecost. The world would be judged by the death of Jesus, and what looked like a victory for the prince of this world (Satan) would actually be his dethronement. When Jesus was lifted up (crucifixion) He would draw all men to Himself. The preaching of the cross has done that through the ages, as people have escaped the dominion of darkness to live in the light. Those who believed the light would become children of light (central point of the prologue -Jn 1:11-12). The Christ does remain forever, and His kingdom would not be destroyed (Dan 7:14). His death would just be a final step on His journey back to heaven.

12:37-43 Although many believed, some didn't despite the signs. Isa 53 and 6:10 are quoted to explain why Israel as a nation didn't believe. They were unable to believe because they had rejected God's revelation, the content of which they needed to believe. God hardened them in their decision (as He did Pharaoh) to accomplish His purposes. In the case of Egypt, it was the physical deliverance of His people, through the plagues and the Red Sea; in the case of the nation and their leadership, it was the spiritual deliverance of His people, through the death and resurrection of Christ. Verse 42 emphasizes that some of the rulers did believe.

12:44-50 Belief in Jesus was belief in God, who sent him. Jesus came as a light, so that people who believe in Him would move out of darkness. If people didn't believe what Jesus said, He wouldn't judge/condemn them, but the words they rejected would judge them on the last day. Jesus spoke the commands of God, which led to eternal life. Those who reject His words, reject God's commands, and reject eternal life (dominion of the Age). Therefore, they themselves would be rejected from that life.

Application: Do you believe Jesus' words: 12:24 “Most truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 He who loves his life/soul will lose it. He who hates his life/soul in this world will keep it to eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, let him follow me. Where I am, there will my servant also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.”?

If you do, how have you died? How are you bearing fruit? If you don't believe them, what makes you think they won't judge you on the last day?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I follow my Lord's example and die to things of this world, so I may follow Him and serve You, knowing You will honor me. Thanks for Your unfailing promises. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God uses personal tragedy and the evil schemes of wicked people to bring about a greater good for us, the world, and Himself (glory).

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is not only the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, but also the Light of the World, the Resurrection and the Life, who gives light and life to all who believe and follow Him.

Us in a nutshell: We need to die to this world and live for the next. Some believe that truth; some don't. Those who do believe, will enjoy honor and blessings in the future. Those who don't believe, and live for the blessings of this life won't be blessed in the future.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

John complete text

John 10

10:1 "Most certainly, I tell you, one who doesn’t enter by the door into the sheep fold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But one who enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. 4 Whenever he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 They will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him; for they don’t know the voice of strangers." 6 Jesus spoke this parable to them, but they didn’t understand what he was telling them. 7 Jesus therefore said to them again, "Most certainly, I tell you, I am the sheep’s door. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture. 10 The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who doesn’t own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep, and flees. The wolf snatches the sheep, and scatters them. 13 The hired hand flees because he is a hired hand, and doesn’t care for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I’m known by my own; 15 even as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep, which are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd. 17 Therefore the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it away from me, but I lay it down by myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. I received this commandment from my Father."

22 It was the Feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem. 23 It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. 24 The Jews therefore came around him and said to him, "How long will you hold us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." 25 Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you don’t believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name, these testify about me. 26 But you don’t believe, because you are not of my sheep, as I told you. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one." 31 Therefore Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of those works do you stone me?" 33 The Jews answered him, "We don’t stone you for a good work, but for blasphemy: because you, being a man, make yourself God." 34 Jesus answered them, "Isn’t it written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods?’ 35 If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture can’t be broken), 36 do you say of him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You blaspheme,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God?’ 37 If I don’t do the works of my Father, don’t believe me. 38 But if I do them, though you don’t believe me, believe the works; that you may know and believe that the Father is in me, and I in the Father."

John 11

11:1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus from Bethany, of the village of Mary and her sister, Martha. 2 It was that Mary who had anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother, Lazarus, was sick. 3 The sisters therefore sent to him, saying, "Lord, behold, he for whom you have great affection is sick." 4 But when Jesus heard it, he said, "This sickness is not to death, but for the glory of God, that God’s Son may be glorified by it." 5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. 6 When therefore he heard that he was sick, he stayed two days in the place where he was. 7 Then after this he said to the disciples, "Let’s go into Judea again." 8 The disciples told him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just trying to stone you, and are you going there again?" 9 Jesus answered, "Aren’t there twelve hours of daylight? If a man walks in the day, he doesn’t stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if a man walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light isn’t in him." 11 He said these things, and after that, he said to them, "Our friend, Lazarus, has fallen asleep, but I am going so that I may awake him out of sleep." 12 The disciples therefore said, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover." 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he spoke of taking rest in sleep. 14 So Jesus said to them plainly then, "Lazarus is dead. 15 I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe. Nevertheless, let’s go to him." 16 Thomas therefore, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, "Let’s go also, that we may die with him."

John 12

12 On the next day a great multitude had come to the feast. When they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 they took the branches of the palm trees, and went out to meet him, and cried out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel!" 14 Jesus, having found a young donkey, sat on it. As it is written, 15 "Don’t be afraid, daughter of Zion. Behold, your King comes, sitting on a donkey’s colt." 16 His disciples didn’t understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about him, and that they had done these things to him. 17 The multitude therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb, and raised him from the dead, was testifying about it. 18 For this cause also the multitude went and met him, because they heard that he had done this sign. 19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, "See how you accomplish nothing. Behold, the world has gone after him."

20 Now there were certain Greeks among those that went up to worship at the feast. 21 These, therefore, came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, "Sir, we want to see Jesus." 22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn, Andrew came with Philip, and they told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, "The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 He who loves his life will lose it. He who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, let him follow me. Where I am, there will my servant also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honour him.

44 Jesus cried out and said, "Whoever believes in me, believes not in me, but in him who sent me. 45 He who sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness. 47 If anyone listens to my sayings, and doesn’t believe, I don’t judge him. For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 He who rejects me, and doesn’t receive my sayings, has one who judges him. The word that I spoke, the same will judge him in the last day. 49 For I spoke not from myself, but the Father who sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50 I know that his commandment is eternal life. The things therefore which I speak, even as the Father has said to me, so I speak."

Luke 1-3 The Perfect Man

Luke 1-3 The Perfect Man

Psalm 119:89-96 The Preserved and Preserving Word

Ps 119:88 LAMED “ Yahweh, your word is settled in heaven forever. 90 Your faithfulness is to all generations. You have established the earth, and it remains. 91 Your laws remain to this day, for all things serve you.

92 Unless your law had been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget your precepts, for with them, you have revived me. 94 I am yours. Save me, for I have sought your precepts. 95 The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me. I will consider your statutes. 96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commands are boundless."

Observations: 119:89-96 The psalmist is in danger of perishing because of affliction by the wicked. However, his delight, and meditation is in God's eternal words, and they revive him, as he waits for God's faithful deliverance/salvation. Since God's word teaches that all things are God's, for His service, the psalmist, who is God's, is able to have hope and confidence in God delivering His servant.

Application: God's eternal words aren't going to be destroyed, nor are His servants who delight in them.

Prayer: My God, I am Your servant, who delights in You and Your eternal words; please preserve and protect me, so I can serve You all my days. Thanks. Amen.

Proverbs 28:10-11 Rich and Poor

Pr 28:10 “Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he himself will be cast into the pit; but the blameless will inherit good. 11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor who has understanding sees through him.“

Observations: 28:10 Those who do the devils work in causing upright folks to go astray will themselves suffer evil consequences. This is particularly evident in the lives of the kings in today's post; but the blameless will inherit good as a reward.

28:11 Someone worse than a fool (last post) is one who is wise in their own eyes. No one can tell them anything, a trait of the arrogant rich. The poor who fears God (Pr 1:2; 2:5) has the insight to see their folly, and is the better man.

Application: Riches can be a hindrance to enduring blessing if we are not teachable.

Prayer: God, may I not be led nor lead others astray, but may I be teachable and blameless, controlled by Your wisdom. Amen.

Luke 1-3 The early church attributed the authorship of Luke and Acts, comprising almost 28% of the NT (more than Paul), to Paul's “dear friend, Luke, the doctor” (Col 4:14 NIV). From Acts 16 onward, the author writes in the plural, suggesting that he was a participant in the events, a medical missionary following in the steps of the Great Physician. Tradition (with some NT basis), considers Luke to be a Greek (a Syrian from Antioch). He wrote both this book and Acts to a Roman official, Theophilus (friend of God). See comments under 1:1-4.

In contrast to Matthew, who wrote to Jewish disciples, and Mark who wrote to Roman disciples, Luke writes to a Greek audience, to present Jesus as the Perfect Man (an ideal well established in classical Greek philosophy) who as the Son of Man, comes to seek and save what is lost. Luke shows his readers how to follow Jesus in living righteously in expectation of His return and rule.

Luke 1 Righteous Saints Delighted and Disciplined

1:1 Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us, 2 even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus; 4 that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.

16 He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord, their God. 17 He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to return the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." 18 Zacharias said to the angel, "How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years." 19 The angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news/gospel. 20 Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak, until the day that these things will happen, because you didn’t believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time." 21 The people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marveled that he delayed in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them, and remained mute. 23 It happened, when the days of his service were fulfilled, he departed to his house. 24 After these days Elizabeth, his wife, conceived, and she hid herself five months, saying, 25 "Thus has the Lord done to me in the days in which he looked at me, to take away my reproach among men."

26 Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 Having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!" 29 But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be. 30 The angel said to her, "Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and will call his name ‘Jesus.’ 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom." 34 Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?" 35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God. 36 Behold, Elizabeth, your relative, also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For everything spoken by God is possible." 38 Mary said, "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it to me according to your word." The angel departed from her.

39 Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah, 40 and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41 It happened, when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, that the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 She called out with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! 45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!" 46 Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord. 47 My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked at the humble state of his handmaid. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed. 49 For he who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name. 50 His mercy/hesed is for generations of generations on those who fear him. 51 He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down princes from their thrones. And has exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things. He has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy/hesed, 55 As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his seed forever." 56 Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her house.

57 Now the time that Elizabeth should give birth was fulfilled, and she brought forth a son. 58 Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 It happened on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him Zacharias, after the name of the father. 60 His mother answered, "Not so; but he will be called John." 61 They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name." 62 They made signs to his father, what he would have him called. 63 He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, "His name is John." They all marveled. 64 His mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue freed, and he spoke, blessing God. 65 Fear came on all who lived around them, and all these sayings were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard them laid them up in their heart, saying, "What then will this child be?" The hand of the Lord was with him.

67 His father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying, 68 "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and worked redemption for his people; 69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets who have been from of old), 71 salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us; 72 to show mercy towards our fathers, to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath which he spoke to Abraham, our father, 74 to grant to us that we, being delivered/saved out of the hand of our enemies, should serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. 76 And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the dawn from on high will visit us, 79 to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death; to guide our feet into the way of peace." 80 The child was growing, and becoming strong in spirit, and was in the desert until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

Observations: 1:1-4 Luke states His purpose up front: to provide an orderly and accurate account so that recipients/disciples would have confidence and conviction concerning the things about which they were instructed. See introduction above for elaboration. Theophilus was instructed as a disciple (katecheo Strongs #2727, a word used for teaching disciples, from which we get the word catechism), and Luke is deepening his roots in the truth. Disciples move from Convinced to Committed on the basis of conviction (ie, there is no other possible explanation for all the facts, therefore this is truth, and I will walk in it).

1:5-25 Luke neatly summarizes OT righteousness, and states that it is possible: walking blamelessly (as in wholeheartedly obeying) all that God commanded (doing what is right in His sight). Anyone who ignores this reality takes truth out of context, distorting it, and thus is a false teacher. Despite their being blessable, they weren't being blessed with fertility, echoing Abraham and Sarah. By lot (the providence of God), Zacharias was selected to burn incense, a once in a lifetime opportunity (if that). He used the opportunity to pray for his needs, and God answered, promising a son who would be great, and filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb (when does life begin? 1:41). The Holy Spirit was given to empower people to special service, and John would function as the promised Elijah (Mal 4:4-6), returning people from foolish disobedience to the wisdom of the righteous, thus making ready a people so they would be built for receiving the Lord (making them blessable -Isa 40:10). Apart from the references to John, this word “prepare” is used of building arks, tabernacles, and houses. John was tasked with returning people back to obedience so the Messiah could bless them.

Note the use of “gospel/good news” in verse 19; the slowness of righteous Zacharias to believe the gospel (doubt and disbelief) resulted in temporary discipline until the promise was fulfilled. Zacharias would have been unable to bless the people with Numbers 6:24-26 (according to the Mishnah). This is a snapshot of a major message in both testaments: obedient, wholehearted faith based upon God's revelation results in blessing, while doubt and disbelief result in temporary discipline (not permanent death). Elizabeth gives glory to God for showing her favor/blessing.

1:26-28 Half a year later, Gabriel goes to Nazareth to say “Hail, Mary” (rejoice). He tells her that she has been favored (perfect tense) and blessed by God and continues to be so. (Here's another righteousness OT saint.) The angel announces the conception and birth of the Son of the God, who will sit on the throne of His human father, David (through the line of Joseph). Mary is puzzled, since she's still a virgin, but the angel explains things. This is not the doubt of Zacharias, but a wondering of how it would happen. Mary readily submits herself to the revealed word of God, (in contrast to Zacharias).

1:39-56 Mary goes to visit Elizabeth who gets filled with the Holy Spirit and repeats the angel's blessing (along with two others) and confirms that Mary's baby would indeed be The Lord. Elizabeth also indicates that Mary had a response of faith to God's revelation. Mary's Magnificat (Latin for “exalt/magnify”) shows her excellent grasp of the OT (alluding to it, by some counts, a dozen times) and parallel's Hannah's psalm of thanksgiving (1Samuel 2).

She starts by praising God her Savior who does not forget, but exalts the lowly, both herself and Israel, according to His mercy/hesed (Ps 103:17; Ex 20:6 used hesed which the LXX, the Greek version of the OT, translates “mercy”). Her praise ends with tying in Jesus' birth to the promises God made to Abraham (Gen 12), of blessing all the world through him.

1:57-80 Zacharias' obedience results in deliverance from his discipline, and he blesses God. (Previously he had been unable to bless the people.) Again “mercy” is shown to be hesed, covenantal loyalty, remembering and fulfilling covenantal obligations, as verse 72 demonstrates. Zacharias' praise reveals the expectation of both a political Savior (salvation/deliverance from enemies), a spiritual Savior (remission/sending back/forgiveness of sin), and a sanctifying Savior (guide feet into way of peace/blessing). Note the three aspects of salvation: justification-forgiveness; sanctification-holiness; glorification-restoration to glory/blessing noted in the first post on Matthew.

Application: Righteous believers are blessed by embracing revealed truth, while those who doubt and demur are disciplined. The disobedient need to turn back to God to be blessed.

Prayer: God, thanks for working within a verifiable history to bring about the fulfillment of Your promises to not only Your people, but the whole world. May I be quick to believe and embrace all You have promised. Amen.

Luke 2 Birth and Growth

2:1 Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2 This was the first census made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; 5 to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as wife, being pregnant. 6 It happened, while they were there, that the day had come that she should give birth. 7 She brought forth her firstborn son, and she wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.

16 They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough. 17 When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child. 18 All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them.

21 When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 22 When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord"), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."

25 Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation/comfort of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law, 28 then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 "Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared before the face of all peoples; 32 a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel." 33 Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him, 34 and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. 35 Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." 36 There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who didn’t depart from the temple, worshiping with fastings and petitions night and day. 38 Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem. 39 When they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 The child was growing, and was becoming strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

41 His parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast, 43 and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and his mother didn’t know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day’s journey, and they looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 When they didn’t find him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for him. 46 It happened after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions. 47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When they saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your father and I were anxiously looking for you." 49 He said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?" 50 They didn’t understand the saying which he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth. He was subject to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Observations: 2:1-20 The birth of Jesus and account of the angels and shepherds need no comment, but the angelic chorus does. The peace is a Messianic promise and blessing given to those with whom God is pleased. It is on all the earth, not just Judea, and it is for all men, not just Jews. The KJV's “good will to men” misses the point and the thrust of the preposition “en” which usually means in or among, matching the meaning “in or among the highest” in the first half of the verse. The final word in Greek is “good pleasure” (Strongs #2107, in some texts a genitive and others a dative) is almost always used in the NT of what is good or pleasing in God's sight. Most modern translations follow that above, having the genitive modify “men” indicating a subclass, who get the peace. The concept of God giving the covenantal blessing of peace to those with whom He is pleased, is much more consistent with the rest of Scripture, than a general sloshing about out hale and hearty merriment. See under Digging Deeper for more.

2:21-40 Following the law regarding circumcision, purification, and redeeming the firstborn (Ex 13; Lev 12:6; Num 18:15), Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple, where they encounter yet another righteous, Spirit-filled OT saint, named Simeon. He was eagerly expecting the Messianic kingdom promised in the OT (here called the consolation or comfort, when God restored Israel's fortunes - Dt 30:5; Jer 30:3,18) God had promised him, apparently as a blessing for his service (note the Master-servant terminology) that he wouldn't see death until he saw the Christ/Messiah. “In the Spirit” as in being led, he came to the temple in time to hold the Messiah, and prophesy. He quotes,

Isa 49:6 yes, he says, "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give you for a light to the nations, that you may be my salvation to the end of the earth."

again affirming the universality of the Messiah. Simeon also foretells that some would accept and some reject Him, in Israel, and that He would be the revealer of the thoughts and intents of people's hearts (cf Heb 4:12-13). Ana, a prophetess, over a hundred years old, hobbled over and spoke of Him to all who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem (like Simeon). Luke again mentions the righteousness of Mary and Joseph and the growth of Jesus (like John).

2:41 This is the only glimpse into Jesus' childhood, one year shy of when he would customarily embrace the law as His own. Luke highlights Jesus' wisdom, dedication to the Father's purpose (taking precedence over earthly loyalties), and His submission to human authority, matching the mention of His parent's righteousness. Jesus continues to grow intellectually, physically, and spiritually, gaining favor in the sight of God and man. These are good spheres for parents to be concerned about today. Note that Jesus developed as a normal human, but was conscious of His special role and relationship with God.

Application: Looking and living for the future fulfillment of the Father's will, and doing what is already clearly revealed to do in the present are marks of the righteous, who grow in God's favor.

Prayer: God, like the saints of old, may I be living in righteous expectation of Your promised kingdom, and be faithfully telling others about it. Amen.

Luke 3 Repent or Regret

3:1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness. 3 He came into all the region around the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for remission of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord. Make his paths straight. 5 Every valley will be filled. Every mountain and hill will be brought low. The crooked will become straight, and the rough ways smooth. 6 All flesh will see God’s salvation.’" 7 He said therefore to the multitudes who went out to be baptized by him, "You generation of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and don’t begin to say among yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father’; for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones! 9 Even now the ax also lies at the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that doesn’t bring forth good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire." 10 The multitudes asked him, "What then must we do?" 11 He answered them, "He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none. He who has food, let him do likewise." 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher, what must we do?" 13 He said to them, "Collect no more than that which is appointed to you." 14 Soldiers also asked him, saying, "What about us? What must we do?" He said to them, "Extort from no one by violence, neither accuse anyone wrongfully. Be content with your wages."

15 As the people were in expectation, and all men reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he was the Christ, 16 John answered them all, "I indeed baptize you with water, but he comes who is mightier than I, the latchet of whose sandals I am not worthy to loosen. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire, 17 whose winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor, and will gather the wheat into his barn; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." 18 Then with many other exhortations he preached good news/gospel to the people, 19 but Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done, 20 added this also to them all, that he shut up John in prison.

21 Now it happened, when all the people were baptized, Jesus also had been baptized, and was praying. The sky was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form as a dove on him; and a voice came out of the sky, saying "You are my beloved Son. In you I am well pleased." 23 Jesus himself, when he began to teach, was about thirty years old, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, 25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, 26 the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Joseph, the son of Judah, 27 the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, 28 the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmodam, the son of Er, 29 the son of Jose, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonan, the son of Eliakim, 31 the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 32 the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, 33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Aram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, 34 the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, 35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, 36 the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan, 38 the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

Observations: 3:1-14 Luke dates the beginning of John's ministry, when the word of God came to him, just like the OT prophets. John was in the wilderness, and identifies himself as the messenger of Isaiah 40:1-10 telling people to repent (literally=change mind), for (eis = with a view to; see note in OLB Strongs #1519), the forgiveness (literally=sending away) of sins (missing the mark). This repentance was accompanied by baptism, which is why John ministered around the Jordan river. Baptism has a number of meanings, the most common OT understanding would be a symbol of cleansing, as a leper would wash away defilement. The repentance was in light of the Lord coming to bring God's salvation (including judging Isa 40:10) therefore they needed to be ready to meet the Lord. See comments on Matthew 3 for more about the OT context, from which this passage cannot be divorced. In tender compassion, John gently asks who warned those coming to him to flee from the coming wrath. The term of endearment was “you generation of vipers”; I guess eating locusts makes one cranky, but then, it was the same appellation Jesus used in Matthew 12:34 and 23:33). John exhorts them to produce fruit worth/befitting their new mindset, otherwise they would be chopped and tossed into the fire (garbage dump of Gehenna, but we don't know that yet; however the original audience would have understood burning debris that weren't profitable). John warns them that trusting in their Jewish ancestry, would do them no good when the Messiah comes to set up His kingdom. God didn't need them, He could make sons of Abraham from rocks. They needed to be worthy, as demonstrated by fruit, things they did. Unfruitful trees were also called firewood. So they asked what they should do. Look at the list, and then the common thread, in light of the context. Think about it before you proceed. No peaking. OK, what is the common thread? Trust that Jesus died for their sins? Wrong! How about trust that God would forgive their sins? Wrong again! Give up? How about, stop living as if this world is all there is, and start living as if there is a kingdom coming where God rewards righteousness, like loving your neighbor and dealing justly? Bingo!!! One last question: Are you living as if this world is all there is, or do you believe what God has revealed about the Messiah ? This is the gospel/good news at this stage of Jesus' ministry (see 3:18).

3:15-23 People were beginning to wonder if John was the Messiah, but he said he just baptized (immersed) in water, but a far greater One would come who would baptize/immerse in the Holy Spirit (Joel 2) and fire (judgment). The fruitful wheat would be gathered safely into his barn (Mt 13:30), and the chaff would be burned. There is no indication that this is eternal destiny, and evidence to the contrary in upcoming chapters. Herod adds to his sins by imprisoning John. But before that, Jesus comes to get baptized (see comments on Matthew 3), and God indicates that not only is He His Son, but the One on whom His favor rests.

3:24-38 Luke traces Jesus' genealogy back to Adam, the Son of God, showing He was representative of all humans, not just the Jews. Matthew traced the line forward from Abraham (the progenitor of the Jews) to David, to Joseph, showing Jesus' legal right to the Davidic throne (which was passed through the father). Some think that Luke traces the line back through Mary, but others propose that there is a difference between the physical bloodline and legal (right to rule) descendents to account for the differences with Matthew's genealogy. In any event, Jesus was a real human, the Son of Man and Son of God.

Application: Are you living as this world is all there is, or are you interacting with others in such a way that God will be pleased with the fruit of your life and reward you? It's never too late to repent and do the right thing.

Prayer: Lord, may I live in a manner consistent with my belief in Your revealed truth, and may You be pleased with me, so You can bless, rather than judge me when You return. Amen.

Digging Deeper:
For textual variant geeks only: In Luke 2:14, the KJV's “good will to men” misses the point and the thrust of the preposition “en” which usually means in or among, matching the meaning “in or among the highest” in the first half of the verse (although it can be used as "eis" (to, towards) after certain verbs, but not here). The final word in Greek is “good pleasure” (Strongs #2107, in some texts types (MT/BYZ) a genitive, and in others (Alexandrian), a dative) is almost always used in the NT of what is good or pleasing in God's sight. Most modern translations (NIV, NASB) reflect the concept in this post, having the genitive modify “men” indicating a subclass, who get the peace.
The MT/BYZ dative could be followed (I am a MT fan), giving something like "among men, (to whom there is) favor" which is comparable to the modern translations. The concept of God giving the covenantal blessing of peace to those with whom He is pleased, is much more consistent with the rest of Scripture, than a general sloshing about out hale and hearty merriment.

God in a nutshell: God keeps His promises and works supernaturally and through human agents to bring about His promised will. He empowers people with His Spirit to do His will in revealing truth and salvation to others. He is the God of the whole earth, not just the Jews.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is the supernatural Son of Man and Son of God, who came to earth to

fulfill the promises of the Davidic Covenant, and reign over Israel on the throne of David. He is also the light for the Gentiles, to bring them into a relationship with God. He will reveal the hearts (values/will) of men as some accept and some reject Him. He will immerse people in the blessing of the Holy Spirit, and the judgment of fire.

Us in a nutshell: We can be righteous if we do what God has revealed. Then we will be blessed. If we don't believe and obey, we will be appropriately disciplined. We have the ability to respond to truth, and change our mind, so we can do what God wants.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Luke complete text

Luke 1

5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years. 8 Now it happened, while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, "Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 You will have joy and gladness; and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord, their God. 17 He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to prepare a people prepared for the Lord." 18 Zacharias said to the angel, "How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years." 19 The angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news. 20 Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak, until the day that these things will happen, because you didn’t believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time." 21 The people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marvelled that he delayed in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them, and remained mute. 23 It happened, when the days of his service were fulfilled, he departed to his house. 24 After these days Elizabeth, his wife, conceived, and she hid herself five months, saying, 25 "Thus has the Lord done to me in the days in which he looked at me, to take away my reproach among men."

26 Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 Having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, you highly favoured one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!" 29 But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be. 30 The angel said to her, "Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. 31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and will call his name ‘Jesus.’ 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom." 34 Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?" 35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God. 36 Behold, Elizabeth, your relative, also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For everything spoken by God is possible." 38 Mary said, "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it to me according to your word." The angel departed from her.

39 Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah, 40 and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41 It happened, when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, that the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 She called out with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 Why am I so favoured, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! 45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfilment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!" 46 Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord. 47 My spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour, 48 for he has looked at the humble state of his handmaid. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed. 49 For he who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name. 50 His mercy is for generations of generations on those who fear him. 51 He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down princes from their thrones. And has exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things. He has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy, 55 As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his seed forever." 56 Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her house.

57 Now the time that Elizabeth should give birth was fulfilled, and she brought forth a son. 58 Her neighbours and her relatives heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 It happened on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him Zacharias, after the name of the father. 60 His mother answered, "Not so; but he will be called John." 61 They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name." 62 They made signs to his father, what he would have him called. 63 He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, "His name is John." They all marvelled. 64 His mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue freed, and he spoke, blessing God. 65 Fear came on all who lived around them, and all these sayings were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard them laid them up in their heart, saying, "What then will this child be?" The hand of the Lord was with him.

67 His father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying, 68 "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and worked redemption for his people; 69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets who have been from of old), 71 salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us; 72 to show mercy towards our fathers, to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath which he spoke to Abraham, our father, 74 to grant to us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, should serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. 76 And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the dawn from on high will visit us, 79 to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death; to guide our feet into the way of peace." 80 The child was growing, and becoming strong in spirit, and was in the desert until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

Luke 2

2:1 Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. 2 This was the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to enrol themselves, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; 5 to enrol himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as wife, being pregnant. 6 It happened, while they were there, that the day had come that she should give birth. 7 She brought forth her firstborn son, and she wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. 9 Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 The angel said to them, "Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. 11 For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough." 13 Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men." 15 It happened, when the angels went away from them into the sky, that the shepherds said one to another, "Let’s go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." 16 They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough. 17 When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child. 18 All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them.

25 Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law, 28 then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 "Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared before the face of all peoples; 32 a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel." 33 Joseph and his mother were marvelling at the things which were spoken concerning him, 34 and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. 35 Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." 36 There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who didn’t depart from the temple, worshipping with fastings and petitions night and day. 38 Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem. 39 When they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 The child was growing, and was becoming strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

Luke 3

3:1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness. 3 He came into all the region around the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for remission of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord. Make his paths straight. 5 Every valley will be filled. Every mountain and hill will be brought low. The crooked will become straight, and the rough ways smooth. 6 All flesh will see God’s salvation.’" 7 He said therefore to the multitudes who went out to be baptized by him, "You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and don’t begin to say among yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father’; for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones! 9 Even now the axe also lies at the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that doesn’t bring forth good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire." 10 The multitudes asked him, "What then must we do?" 11 He answered them, "He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none. He who has food, let him do likewise." 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher, what must we do?" 13 He said to them, "Collect no more than that which is appointed to you." 14 Soldiers also asked him, saying, "What about us? What must we do?" He said to them, "Extort from no one by violence, neither accuse anyone wrongfully. Be content with your wages."

15 As the people were in expectation, and all men reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he was the Christ, 16 John answered them all, "I indeed baptize you with water, but he comes who is mightier than I, the latchet of whose sandals I am not worthy to loosen. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire, 17 whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor, and will gather the wheat into his barn; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." 18 Then with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people, 19 but Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done, 20 added this also to them all, that he shut up John in prison.

John 10-12 The Good Shepherd

Luke 1-3 The Perfect Man

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